Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

chest pain

chills

cough

fever

loss of coordination

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

severe headaches of sudden onset

shortness of breath

sore throat

sudden onset of slurred speech

sudden vision changes

swollen glands

troubled breathing

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bloody urine or bloody stools

decreased frequency or amount of urine

fainting or loss of consciousness

fast or irregular breathing

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

itching

loss of appetite

nausea

skin rash

swelling of the eyes or eyelids

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

tightness in the chest or wheezing

vomiting

weight gain

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

joint or muscle pain

pain and redness of the skin in the area of earlier radiation treatment

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

stomach cramps, tenderness, or pain

watery diarrhea

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

confusion

cough or hoarseness

decreased urination

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

difficulty with moving

difficulty with swallowing

discouragement

dizziness

dry mouth

feeling sad or empty

hair loss

headache

heartburn

increase in heart rate

irritability

lightheadedness

loss of interest or pleasure

mood changes

muscle aches or cramping

muscle stiffness

pain or burning in the throat

pain produced by swallowing

rapid breathing

sensation of pins and needles

stabbing pain

stuffy or runny nose

sunken eyes

swelling

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen joints

thinning of the hair

thirst

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

weight loss

wheezing

wrinkled skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.